Art From Australia
"Turtle Dreaming" By Naomi Yunupingu
"Turtle Dreaming" By Naomi Yunupingu
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Artist: Naomi Yunupingu
Size (H x W): 50 x 26 cm
Turtles are a favoured food source in Indigenous communities around Australia. They are also an essential element of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Hunting turtles and the preparation as well as sharing of their meat has a great significance and is an expression of the continuance of traditions. The turtle shell has also been historically fashioned into combs and fishhooks.
Due to the significance of turtles in Australian Indigenous communities, they appear as totems and in Dreamtime stories as well as Creation myths. The hunting of these animals is allowed when done sustainably and is managed and controlled by social laws that reflect links between families and totems. These marine creatures demonstrate the connection with traditional sea country.
About the Artist – Naomi Yunupingu
Naomi Yunupingu is a proud artist from East Arnhem Land, belonging to the Dhuwala language group and the Gumatj Clan. She comes from a strong cultural family and is the daughter of the renowned singer-songwriter from Yothu Yindi. Growing up surrounded by musicians, artists, and storytellers, Naomi draws deeply from her heritage.
Naomi began painting at just 11 years old, learning alongside her aunties. Today, she is an accomplished artist in her own right, carrying forward the knowledge and traditions passed down through generations.
Her paintings are connected to her family’s Dreamings, which tell stories of totems, animals, and food sources. These include; Marrapani (Green Turtle), Bulumainyitji (Shark), Gadhu Gadhu (Crocodile), Gapirri (Stingray) and Minala (Freshwater Long Neck Turtle)
Naomi paints with acrylic on canvas, using her own hair to create fine cross-hatching, a technique that reflects both tradition and personal expression. Each artwork is a respectful continuation of cultural knowledge, shared to keep law, lore, and story alive.
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